Well, honestly, I can't say that becoming a game developer was my dream job. I'm a programmer, and I used to work for Telecommunication industry before joining gmaing company XXX(I will not mention any names). The job in Telecom was very challenging by itself, perhaps more challenging than most of videogame development I've been through.
But of course everyone want to see how it is to create games, so I got an offer from a large US game company last year and accepted it. My pay nearly doubled. I went from $80,000 CAD to $145,000 USD. Of course that was nice and I was enjoying it for a few months. Soon, however, I realized that I have to work so much that I have no time to spend money I am earning. Long, 18-20 hour days at the office, working weekends, even staying at the office overnight became a norm. I was on a salary, so no overtime was paid.
I ended up leaving the job, just moved back to Canada several days ago. I have immediately started another job in gaming industry, probably for one of the largest/most respected companies out there(hint, hint, look at my location). This time around, I picked the job and was lucky enough to get it. During my time spent in US I met many industry insiders and got some good friends. I was told that I should try company ABC because of their benefits, salary and good management. So far its been great here, a lot of work, but managers are realistic about goals at least. I took a salary cut(went down to $120,000 CAD here), but I'm very happy regardless.
Perhaps you wanted to know more about companies and/or my job, but I cannot give out such information. Game developers are put under NDA's hours after they are hired. Of course, I would not want a lawsuit from a giant firm.
. A very decent game that people will like if they hear about it. I have always been a 'eye candy' type of gamer, but am starting to appreciate the finer points of story development. Check out the demo of this game, I think you will enjoy it? Just my opinion though.
